THE derelict remains of a cinema and theatre in the heart of Southend is set to be transformed into a five and six-storey block of flats. 

An outline planning application to redevelop the old Empire Theatre site between Alexandra Street and Clarence Street has been revealed.

The scheme includes 27 flats with balconies and terraces, amenity space, parking, and seven shops on the ground floor.

The site, also formerly an ABC cinema, has been empty since 2017 when the Empire Theatre was demolished. 

The theatre had been empty for some time, and was in need of repair. 

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It had also been a magnet for vandals and antisocial behaviour until it was demolished and boarded up.

Mike Gray, from Dedman Gray estate agents, said: “I am pleased to at last see a well thought-out and designed scheme be put the planning process on this important town centre site. 

“Since the original theatre has been demolished the site has been vacant for some years and it does form part of an opportunity for the regeneration of the town centre itself.

“It’s a unique site having an open road frontage to both Alexandra Street and Clarence Road. 

“It’s quite unusual and therefore needs to take full advantage of a mixed commercial and residential project in this prime location.”

It is one of two town centre developments drawn up by Westcliff-based Skarchitects on behalf of developer Vikesh Kotecha who also hopes to build flats in Tylers Avenue.

A spokesman for Skarchitects said: “The proposals are to make best use of previously developed land and create a building of high quality with carefully considered detailed design and high levels of amenity space, that will act as a precedent for other high qualities developments in the city.

“The scale of the proposed has been reduced considerably from the initial iterations, however the desire to create a unique and high-quality mixed-use development in the centre of the city still remains.”

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They added: “The proposal is relatable in mass to the pre-existing Empire Theatre, and smaller than the Rivoli building that stood at the site before the Empire. 

“The form has also been driven from the desire to create a large garden terrace for residents, including planting, seating areas and playpark.

“This has created 15m separation between the two main forms, reducing the overall mass, and ensuring high levels of daylight into the proposed residential units.”